US Officials Voice Concerns Over Trump's Proposed 'Triumphal Arch'
Democrats and aviation officials criticize the planned structure near Washington National Airport, citing safety and historical preservation issues.
Plans for a proposed "Triumphal Arch" outside Arlington National Cemetery, intended to store military equipment and deploy snipers and drones, are facing growing opposition from federal and state officials. The 250-foot structure is planned for a site near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a location that has raised significant safety concerns.
Senator Tammy Duckworth has urged the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reject the plan, emphasizing the need to prioritize airspace safety. "The American people cannot afford to stand witness to Trump's risky plan to place a 250-foot (72m) structure along a busy approach path, especially if he follows through on plans to station snipers on the arch and fly drones," Duckworth stated in a letter obtained by CBS News.
Despite these concerns, the FAA recently ruled that the proposed arch would not pose a risk to flights entering or leaving the airport. Meanwhile, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which includes Trump appointees, has terminated required consultations with local officials regarding the potential impact on 42 historic properties in the vicinity. The council cited a lack of agreement on mitigation plans between the National Park Service and local preservation officers.
Democratic Congressman Don Beyer has expressed alarm over ongoing excavation work at the arch's intended site, reporting that workers were conducting soil composition evaluations. Beyer noted that this activity began without the required 48-hour notice, stating, "The Administration appears to be pushing ahead with activity at the site even while it still has not done the basic work necessary to understand the consequences of this project."
The design for the arch includes a golden, winged Lady Liberty figure atop the structure, flanked by eagles, with inscriptions of "One Nation Under God" and "Liberty and Justice for All" on its sides. Excavation work has begun at the site, with Beyer describing the activity as "deeply troubling."